"Start focusing on LeBron catching Kareem, because that's going to be your season's high point" - Analyst believes LA Lakers' team prospects are dim, only LeBron's accolades worth monitoring
The LA Lakers have had one of the worst starts to a campaign in franchise history. NBA analyst David Jacoby believes the highest point in the Lakers' season this time will be when James sets a new all-time scoring record.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has been atop the all-time scoring list since April 5, 1984 after surpassing Wilt Chamberlain. Since then, no one has come this close to breaking the record.
Jacoby feels that James setting the new record could be the highlight of the Lakers' 2022-23 season. Although they were not considered championship favorites coming into the season, they have performed even worse than the mediocre expectations from them so far.
"The Lakers are bad. And what this year has turned into, in my opinion, is, LeBron's gonna pass Kareem, and that's gonna be the highlight of the Lakers season."
After Jalen Rose stressed their lack of shooting, he continued:
"I really think that this Laker season, they're not gonna contend. They might lose in the first round, that's fine. But I think this Laker season has turned into the 'LeBron James is going to pass Kareem.'
"When and where is that going to happen? How's that going to happen? And how we make that the biggest moment in sports."
“The Lakers are bad!” Says @djacoby, so start focusing on LeBron catching Kareem, because that’s going to be your season’s high point. 🫣🫣🫣 https://t.co/oCgrhKu9pV
It will undoubtedly be a noteworthy moment, as it is a record that could stay unbroken for at least another decade. As Jacoby highlighted, James setting a new record in LA might be the most fun the Lakers fans will have this season.
When can LeBron surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on all-time scoring list?
James has not scored at an incredibly high level to start the season, compared to his performance last year. Nonetheless, the Lakers captain is still on course to surpass Abdul-Jabbar on the all-time scoring list.
LeBron James is top 10 all-time in
Points
Assists
Steals
Wins
And now, threes. https://t.co/kcENCQAZFz
If LBJ maintains his current point average (25.3) he could surpass Abdul-Jabbar in under 50 games. He is only 1224 points away from tying the all-time scoring record.
Health will play a major factor in James breaking this record. The 18-time All-Star has suffered injuries that sidelined him for an extended period in each of the last two seasons.
LA Lakers season going off the rails
It has always been said that a healthy LA Lakers team with James and Anthony Davis could compete. However, that has not been the case thus far. The duo came into the season well-rested but have failed to secure a single victory this season.
The Lakers have played four games so far and lost all four. Though they have had close games, they have failed to maintain their lead to close out matches.
Although it is still early in the season, it is difficult to imagine the Lakers making a deep run in the playoffs. They have been dreadful while shooting and it is unlikely that might change soon given the personnel on their roster.
The LA Lakers will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. It goes without saying that a win is necessary at this stage of the competition.